Located in the Miyun District, about 146km northeast of Beijing city centre, Gubeikou Railway Station （古北口站）is a gateway to some of the most famous and scenic sections of the Great Wall of China. This charming, historical station provides direct access to three popular Great Wall destinations: Gubeikou Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, and Simatai Great Wall.
If you’re planning a trip to explore these majestic sites, knowing how to reach Gubeikou Railway Station and the best ways to travel from there to the Great Wall will enhance your experience. This guide will provide you with all the information you need for a smooth and memorable journey.
1. Gubeikou Railway Station History and Location
Gubeikou Railway Station is located in Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing. It is a railway station under the jurisdiction of the Tongzhou Railway Transportation Section of China Railway Beijing Group Co., Ltd., and was established in 1976. This station serves as the terminal station of the Beijing Suburban S5 line, and since April 30, 2019, it has been handling suburban passenger services.
Gubeikou Railway Station is not only an important transportation hub but is also well-known for its unique geographical location and historical background. Situated beneath the Wohu Mountain Great Wall, it is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with fresh air and beautiful scenery. Although the station is not large, it is well-equipped, making travel convenient for passengers.
Now it serves as a key point for travelers visiting the Gubeikou Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, and Simatai Great Wall, all of which are located in close proximity to the station.
2. Getting to Gubeikou Railway Station from Central Beijing
If you’re staying in central Beijing, Gubeikou Railway Station is easily accessible by the Beijing Suburban S5 train. This train departs from Beijing North Railway Station and takes passengers directly to Gubeikou Railway Station in about 2 and half hours.
The train journey is both affordable and comfortable, offering an authentic local travel experience as it takes you through scenic countryside landscapes before arriving at the station.
To catch the S5 train, head to Beijing North Railway Station, which is located near Xizhimen. You can take the Beijing Subway Line 2, Line 4 or Line 13 to reach the station. The S5 train runs Trains run twice daily and do not require reservations. Simply treat it like a subway, free seating — just scan or swipe, and you’re on your way.
Here is the train timetable for the Beijing North Station to Gubeikou Station route on the Huairou-Miyun suburban railway line (S5 Line):
| Route | Train | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing North Station → Gubeikou Station | S501 | 06:55 (Get up early and don’t miss the train! The only train in the morning. | 09:23 |
| Beijing North Station → Gubeikou Station | S503 | 14:20 | 16:50 |
| Gubeikou Station → Beijing North Station | S502 | 10:00 | 12:28 |
| Gubeikou Station → Beijing North Station | S504 | 17:20 (Don’t miss the train, the only train in the afternoon) | 19:52 |
Kind reminder: The Beijing Suburban Train operates like the subway, and its entrance is separate from the main Beijing North Railway Station.
Please avoid entering Beijing North Railway Station for a security check. Instead, access the Beijing Suburban Train through the entrance located next to McDonald’s, in the underground area connected to Subway Lines 2, 4, and 13.
3. How to Get to the Great Wall from Gubeikou Railway Station
There are different ways to reach the Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai Great Wall sections from Gubeikou Railway Station. Depending on which section you wish to visit, the transportation options vary.
After exiting Gubeikou Railway Station, you’ll notice several private cars parked nearby. Local drivers, mostly from nearby villages, may approach you offering transfer services. At the time of writing, there are no official taxis available at the station, so arranging a ride with one of these private drivers is your best option.
You can negotiate with them for a transfer to either the Gubeikou Great Wall (approximately 7 km away) or the Jinshanling Great Wall (about 17 km away), or Simatai Graet Wall ( 15.5km). Be sure to confirm the price and destination clearly before setting off to ensure a smooth journey.
The negotiated prices for your reference:
Gubeikou Railway Station – Gubeikou One-way transfer: RMB 40 /Per car or SUV
Gubeikou Railway Station – Jinshanling One-way Transfer: RMB 60 /Per Car or SUV.
Gubeikou Railway Station – Simatai One-way Transfer: RMB60 /Per car or SUV
We used the services of Mr. Zhao, a local villager, who owns a 7-seater Dongfeng SUV. We recommend him for transfer services; however, please note that we are not affiliated with him—this is shared for your reference.
- Phone: 13241663677
- WeChat: 13241663677 (you can add him on WeChat to arrange transfer services).
Simatai Great Wall Connecting Bus
For those heading to Simatai Great Wall, the journey is slightly different. There is a connecting bus available from Gubeikou Railway Station to Simatai.
The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and drops passengers off near the entrance to Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town. Bus Fare: RMB10.
Check out the following travel guides for more information:
How to Get to Gubeikou Great Wall
How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall
How to Get to Simatai Great Wall
4. What to Expect at Gubeikou Railway Station
Arriving at Gubeikou Railway Station, you’ll notice that it has a small, simple charm. The station is not large, but it is functional and serves as a great starting point for visitors heading to the Great Wall.
The station has basic amenities, including a waiting area, Washing rooms, ticket counters,and security checks. The station’s low-key atmosphere makes it a pleasant stop before your adventure to the Great Wall.
Station Operating Hours
Ticket Office:
Monday to Friday: 10:30-11:40, 13:50-14:10, 17:00-17:15
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:30-11:40, 13:50-14:10, 16:30-17:15
Waiting Hall:
10:00-11:40, 13:40-14:10, 16:30-17:15
Police Station: 010 – 51431110
Transportation Tips for Visiting Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai
If you are planning to visit the Great Wall from Gubeikou Railway Station, here are a few helpful tips to ensure a smooth trip:
- Check Train Schedules in Advance: The Beijing Suburban S5 train operates on a set schedule. Be sure to check the times before you travel to avoid missing your train to Gubeikou Railway Station.
- Book Private Cars in Advance: If you want to visit Gubeikou Great Wall or Jinshanling Great Wall, it’s a good idea to book a private car in advance. While priavet cars are available at the station, pre-arranging a car will save you time and ensure a smoother experience.
- Take the Simatai Bus: If you are visiting Simatai Great Wall, the connecting bus is the easiest option.
- Bring Cash: It’s always a good idea to bring cash for small purchases, especially if you’re planning to hire private drivers.
- Pack for the Hike: If you are planning to hike on any of the Great Wall sections, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a hat and sunscreen, as the hike can be strenuous and the sun can be intense.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
While Gubeikou Railway Station serves as the primary starting point for visiting the Great Wall, the surrounding area is also worth exploring. Miyun, the district where the station is located, is known for its natural beauty, with nearby lakes, mountains, and hiking trails. If you have time after your visit to the Great Wall, consider exploring the peaceful countryside of Miyun, or visiting nearby attractions like Miyun Reservoir, which offers boating and scenic views.
Additionally, Miyun Old Town offers a glimpse of traditional rural life, with charming streets, local shops, and small restaurants serving authentic Beijing-style cuisine. It’s a quiet, relaxing destination if you want to take a break from the crowds of the city.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to the Great Wall
Gubeikou Railway Station is a vital gateway for those visiting the northern sections of the Great Wall. Whether you’re heading to Gubeikou, Jinshanling, or Simatai, the station provides convenient access to these stunning, less-crowded sections of the Wall, where you can experience the grandeur of this ancient wonder in a more peaceful setting.
From catching the Beijing Suburban S5 train to arranging a private car or taking a bus to your desired destination, Gubeikou Railway Station ensures a smooth and memorable journey to some of the most beautiful and untouched parts of the Great Wall of China.
So, pack your bags, catch the train, and let Gubeikou Railway Station be your starting point for an unforgettable Great Wall adventure!
